Inspired by Piet Hein’s definition of art as “the solution to the problems that cannot be formulated clearly before being resolved,” contemporary circus company, Acting for Climate (A4C), uses circus and performance to inspire action for a sustainable future. Created in 2014, Acting for Climate creates and tours its own performances and continues to expand its network of people, artists and activists that nurture collaboration for sustainability. It’s not just a group of performers, it is a mindset and a movement.

Sustainability tends to be a tricky and downright neglected topic in the circus and performing arts world. We don’t think this comes from a lack of care, but rather, a lack of discussion and instruction about what this looks like – how to make sustainable art, from creation and production to touring and travel. It’s tough to know where to look to find resources on circus sustainability, let alone implement and defend them to clients, companies, and sometimes other artists.

We look forward to exploring sustainability + circus more on the CircusTalk platform, and are excited to start by sharing some advice from Acting for Climate. In the first of two videos below, A4C Board member Abigael Winsvold covers the basics philosophies on how Acting for Climate operates as a sustainable circus company, as well as advices and exercises on how to create art that encourages and enacts sustainable change. The second video features A4C founder, Federica Parise, as she discusses sustainable touring practices from more of a logistics point of view.

While Acting for Climate is on the forefront of sustainable circus practices, we know that not everyone can tour on wind and sailing power alone – if you don’t know about A4C’s nautical touring project, CURRENTS, check it out! Still, sustainable circus does not mean the immediate upheaval of the way we function and create as we know it. This mindset may explain why the topic seems so monstrous and overwhelming to begin with! Instead, it calls for an assessment of current practices, starting more conversations about sustainability, and putting energy into making small changes. No amount of change is too small!

In addition to the advice videos, check out these other resources and workshops on the Acting for Climate website:

10 Advices for Informal Learning

Acting for Climate Workshops

Acting for Climate is currently looking for artists to join their worldwide sailing tour, CURRENTS, a sustainable touring and multidisciplinary performance initiative running from 2024-2027.

With a main team of five traveling artists onboard our sailing vessel, we stop in harbors around the world where we team up with local artists, environmentalists, activists, and scientists.In this group, we share artistic methods and techniques, explore future sustainable pathways for the territories we are in and those we come from, and create a performance that shakes the souls and drives the audience to action.The performance is site-specific and can be played at different interesting venues, such as a local special landmark, in the outskirts of a forest, a ruin, on the pier, a community square, a local circus place, a theater entry, or a local tallship.

Learn more about CURRENTS and how to apply, see the show page!

Images courtesy of Acting for Climate.

Acting For Climate

Contemporary Circus Company -Norway

The seed of Acting for Climate was planted in Norway in 2014, with a dream of using our profession as artists to inspire action for a sustainable future. Now, we are a company creating and touring our own performances, and a growing network of people, artists and activists that nurture collaboration for sustainability.

We intend to strengthen and expand global networks of action through interaction with local artists and activists. Acting for Climate is not just a group of performers, it is a mindset and a movement.